2016 Workshop on Enhancing prosperity and opportunity for women in Asia-Pacific Region

The workshop dated on 11th March, 2016 is intended to formulate policies, share practical experiences and models of successful women business in Asia-Pacific region.

2016 Workshop on

Enhancing prosperity and opportunity for women in Asia-Pacific Region

The workshop dated on 11th March, 2016 is intended to formulate policies, share practical experiences and models of successful women business in Asia-Pacific region. Through research with case studies to bring together and enhance dialogue among policymakers, researchers, practitioners and community members at all levels in view of promoting various aspect of 5 major issues identified by Peru APEC WEF 2016 Fora:

(1) Economy care systems to break down barriers for inclusive growth: Heavy and unequal care burdens may curtail women’s economic activities, including their rights to education, social participation and leisure. However, economic development depends upon successfully utilization of the workforce, including female and male. Investment in local infrastructure and promotion of greater awareness on responsibilities sharing may directly alleviate barriers to female entrepreneurs in accessing markets.

(2) Costs of gender-based violence in the context of economic development: Gender-based violence includes physical violence, emotional violence, sexual violence and economic violence. It is not only a woman’s issue, but also an issue affecting economic growth. Developing a Public-Private Partnership framework would be a visible commitment to the prevention violence and makes explicit the expectation.

(3) Mechanisms for the internationalization of MSMEs enterprises led by women: According to the OECD (2013), women in many developed economies are starting businesses at a faster rate than men, making significant contributions to economic growth. Potential entrepreneurs need to have various skills and experiences. Leveraging ICT to connect women entrepreneurs would increase familiarity with business culture in different markets.

(4) Economic Literacy for access to capital: Financial literacy of entrepreneurs are critical to the growth of a business. Analysis of women-specific needs combined with financial and entrepreneurial training would be the strategies that will improve women’s access to economic and resources.

(5) Digital Literacy for economic inclusion: To give women entrepreneurs the attitudes, knowledge and skills through technology may identify available opportunities and challenges of business activities, including a broad understanding of the workings of the economy.